Formula E releases images of new 'Gen 2' car for Season 5

Formula E unveils renders of its new-look car for Season 5, adopting an aggressive new chassis look that has drawn comparisons to the Batmobile.

Formula E has released render images of its new car that will race in the championship from the start of its fifth season, featuring the Halo cockpit protection as part of an aggressive new look.

Formula E will stop racing with the existing Spark-designed chassis that debuted in Season 1 in favour of the new 'Generation 2' car that has been compared to the fictional Batmobile due to its look.

The appearance of the new car was unveiled on Tuesday via the release of CGI renders, with the chassis featuring no rear wing, a large rear diffuser and the Halo, as requested by the FIA.

The Halo does however featuring LED lights, making it stand out from its appearance in championships such as Formula 1 and Formula 2.

The new Formula E car will offer the double the the performance and double the range of the existing model, allowing the championship to ditch the current car swaps that take place midway through races.

The car will see an increased maximum power output in qualifying of 250 kW, up from 200 kW, and will reach 220 kW in the race, with a current limit set of 180 kW.

The 'Gen 2' car will make its race debut at the end of 2018 at the start of Season 5, but has already completed on-track testing, with positive feedback being offered.

"This car represents the future of racing," said Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag. "When we started Formula E, our goal was to break the mould and challenge the status quo - bringing a revolution to motorsport. This next generation car represents that revolution.

"The cars will be faster and will have almost double the amount of energy storage capacity and double the range, demonstrating the continuous evolution of battery technology. Together with the FIA, we’ve achieved a great milestone with the introduction of this car and I can’t wait to see it on track.”

"These are very exciting times for Formula E," added FIA president Jean Todt. "Today we show for the first time the design of the next generation car, and I’m sure that everyone will be very excited by how futuristic and advanced it is.

"I’m very proud that the FIA has been at the forefront of this car’s development, it’s something new for the Federation, and the project has been a huge success. I can’t wait to take the covers off the real car when it will be seen for the first time in Geneva on March 6."